Bill > A5338

Introduced Session

This bill repeals the law establishing a ban on single-use plastic carryout bags, single-use paper carryout bags, polystyrene foam food service products, and single-use plastic straws. The bill also amends a portion of the law which established a $500,000 appropriation, from the Clean Communities Fund, for a public information and education program regarding free reusable carryout bags. The amendments would remove that appropriation. Current law prohibits stores and food service business from providing or selling single-use plastic carryout bags to customers, and prohibits grocery stores from providing or selling single-use paper carryout bags to customers. The law also prohibits distribution of polystyrene foam food service products. A Plastics Advisory Council monitors the implementation of the law, and fees collected from establishments, in violation of the law, currently accrue to the Clean Communities Program Fund. It is the sponsor's intention to eliminate this law in its entirety, as it has resulted in an increased volume of waste in the State through the production and accumulation of unused bags, straws, and other disposable products. Research indicates that plastic bag bans have been associated with increased purchasing of alternative bags and containers and a resultant increase in manufacturing-related pollution. New Jersey stores and food service businesses have noticed a three-fold increase in plastic consumption since the implementation of this law, attributed to the non-recyclable material used in alternative bags. Carryout grocery bag regulations have also been associated with a 127-pound monthly average increase in the number of purchased plastics. This bill would take effect on the 60th day after the date of enactment to allow business and stores two months to restore available supplies of single-use plastic carryout bags, single-use paper carryout bags, polystyrene foam food service products, and single-use plastic straws.

Committee Categories

John Azzariti (R)*,  Dawn Fantasia (R)*,  Michael Inganamort (R),  Michele Matsikoudis (R),  Alex Sauickie (R),  Claire Swift (R), 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste Committee (on 02/20/2025)

Official Document